Planning a cremation can be both emotionally and financially challenging. Many families want a respectful farewell but are concerned about the rising costs of funerals and cremations. Fortunately, Fixed Price Cremations offers an affordable, transparent option for cremation services in Australia, helping families access dignified cremations without the high price tag traditionally associated with funeral homes.

In this guide, we’ll explore the cheapest way to be cremated, how much cremation costs in Australia, answer common questions about cremation, and explain how Fixed Price Cremations’ service works. Whether you’re planning ahead or currently making arrangements, this comprehensive article will help you understand your options clearly.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Be Cremated?

Fixed Price Cremations offers a non-attended direct cremation service at a fixed cost of $1,950 (including GST), making it one of the most affordable cremation options in Australia.

What Does “Non-Attended Direct Cremation” Mean?

Non-attended direct cremation means the body is collected, prepared, and cremated without any funeral ceremony, viewing, or family attendance at the crematorium. This removes the costs associated with venues, services, staff, and additional logistics, which are often the biggest contributors to high funeral prices.

This service includes:

• Transportation of the deceased from the place of death to the mortuary

• Basic mortuary care and preparation, including dressing the deceased in a shroud

• Placement of the deceased into a simple, basic coffin suitable for cremation

• Arrangement and handling of all necessary paperwork, including medical death certificates and death registration

• Transport of the coffin to the crematorium

• Execution of the cremation

• Return of the ashes to the family by post or collection

The all-inclusive, no-surprise-fee pricing means families know exactly what they’re paying from the start.

What Is the Lowest Price to Be Cremated?

The lowest price offered by Fixed Price Cremations is the $1,950 non-attended cremation plan. This fixed price covers all necessary steps, with no hidden fees or additional charges.

Prepaid Cremation Plan

For those planning ahead, Fixed Price Cremations offers a prepaid plan at $2,090. This option locks in today’s prices and guarantees the service will be provided at this fixed amount in the future, protecting against inflation and potential price increases. The prepaid plan includes a $140 administration fee to manage and secure the funds.

Both options provide families peace of mind and transparency around the cost of cremation.

Does Centrelink Pay for Cremations?

Fixed Price Cremations does not provide specific information about Centrelink funeral payments or financial assistance on their website.

In Australia, Centrelink does offer a Funeral Payment for eligible individuals who receive certain government benefits. This payment helps cover the costs of a funeral or cremation but is subject to strict eligibility criteria and limits.

If you are seeking financial assistance for funeral expenses, it is best to contact Centrelink directly or visit their official website for up-to-date eligibility and application details.

What Body Parts Don’t Burn During Cremation?

Fixed Price Cremations does not provide medical or scientific details about the cremation process or anatomical specifics.

Generally, during cremation, the body is exposed to intense heat (up to 1,000°C or more), which reduces soft tissues to gases and bone fragments. However, some hard materials such as dental fillings, implants, prosthetics, and sometimes small bone fragments may remain and are later processed into the fine ashes returned to families.

Any such technical details fall outside the scope of Fixed Price Cremations’ service description, which focuses on logistics and costs.

What’s the Cheapest Cremation Plan?

The cheapest plan Fixed Price Cremations offers is the non-attended direct cremation for $1,950. This plan is ideal for families who want a dignified, simple cremation without the additional cost and complexity of a funeral service or viewing.

How to Afford a Cremation?

Cremations can be costly, but Fixed Price Cremations helps families afford this service by:

• Offering transparent, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees

• Eliminating costs associated with funeral venues, catering, staff, and ceremonies

• Providing a prepaid plan option that locks in costs and protects against future price increases

• Streamlining the cremation process to reduce overhead and pass savings to clients

Families are encouraged to compare traditional funeral costs, which often start around $4,000 or higher, to the $1,950 price point of Fixed Price Cremations.

How Much Does It Cost to Be Cremated in Australia?

The cost of cremation in Australia varies widely depending on services selected, location, and whether a funeral service is held.

• Average cremation costs with traditional funeral homes can range from $4,000 to $6,000 or more

• Direct cremation services like Fixed Price Cremations offer an all-inclusive price of $1,950 for the cremation itself, without additional ceremony or venue costs

Choosing a direct cremation without a service is the most affordable route and is increasingly popular among Australians who want simplicity and lower costs.

Will Centrelink Pay for a Funeral?

As mentioned earlier, Centrelink does provide funeral payments for eligible people, but this is separate from Fixed Price Cremations’ offerings.

Families needing government assistance for funeral costs should apply directly to Centrelink to check eligibility and payment amounts. Fixed Price Cremations does not facilitate or guarantee any government payments.

How Much Is a Private Cremation?

The non-attended direct cremation service offered by Fixed Price Cremations can be considered a private cremation because no one attends the cremation service itself.

This private cremation costs $1,950 and includes all necessary steps from collection to return of ashes, but no ceremony or public event.

Can You Be Cremated Without a Coffin?

Fixed Price Cremations requires a basic coffin for their cremation services. The deceased is dressed in a shroud and placed in a simple coffin that meets crematorium requirements.

While laws vary by jurisdiction, in most parts of Australia, a coffin or suitable container is necessary for cremation. Fixed Price Cremations does not offer cremation without a coffin.

Do You Have to Have a Coffin for Cremation in Australia?

Yes, according to Fixed Price Cremations, a coffin is mandatory for cremation under their service, and it is included in their fixed price. Alternative containers or direct shroud cremation options are not part of their offering.

What Are the Three Types of Cremation?

Fixed Price Cremations offers only one type: non-attended direct cremation without a funeral or viewing.

Other types commonly discussed in the funeral industry but not provided here include:

• Traditional cremation with service: includes a funeral or memorial service before cremation

• Witnessed cremation: family or friends attend the cremation itself

• Direct cremation: no service or viewing, just the cremation process

Fixed Price Cremations focuses exclusively on direct cremation as the affordable option.

Why Do You Have to Wait 3 Days to Cremate a Body?

Fixed Price Cremations does not specify any mandatory waiting periods before cremation on their site.

In many Australian states, there are legal requirements regarding documentation and approvals, which can cause a wait of a few days before cremation. This is to ensure all legal, medical, and administrative protocols are completed.

Why Do They Wait So Long to Cremate a Body?

Waiting times can vary based on:

• Completion of death certification paperwork

• Medical examinations or investigations

• Funeral home and crematorium scheduling

• Legal regulations in the state or territory

Fixed Price Cremations does not provide specific timing details, but these factors typically contribute to any waiting period.

How Long After Someone Dies Do They Cremate the Body?

The cremation usually happens several days after death to allow for paperwork and arrangements.

Fixed Price Cremations does not specify exact timing but handles all processes promptly once contacted, aiming for a smooth and timely cremation.

What Organs Are Removed Before Cremation?

Fixed Price Cremations does not detail body preparation procedures, such as organ removal.

Generally, unless an autopsy or medical examination is required, no organs are removed before cremation. If an autopsy occurs, any removed organs may be cremated separately or handled according to local regulations.

What Is the Last Part of the Body to Burn During Cremation?

There is no information provided by Fixed Price Cremations on anatomical details or which body parts burn last.

What Is Removed from a Body Before Cremation?

The website does not discuss removal of implants, pacemakers, or other devices, but standard industry practice often requires removal of such items to prevent explosions or damage to the crematorium.

Is It Cheaper to Be Buried or Cremated in Australia?

Cremation is generally less expensive than burial due to:

• No need to purchase and maintain a burial plot

• Lower costs for funerals without cemetery fees

• No ongoing maintenance or headstone expenses

Fixed Price Cremations highlights that their direct cremation service is significantly cheaper than traditional burial options.

Final Thoughts

Fixed Price Cremations provides a simple, dignified, and affordable cremation option in Australia starting at $1,950. Their transparent pricing, all-inclusive service, and prepaid plans offer families peace of mind during difficult times.

While many technical, anatomical, and government assistance questions remain outside their service scope, Fixed Price Cremations’ straightforward direct cremation is a practical choice for those seeking to manage costs without compromising dignity.

If you’re considering cremation, comparing costs, or planning ahead, Fixed Price Cremations is a leading provider to consider for low-cost, respectful cremation services.